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Current Opportunities

2026 Internships

Presque Isle Lighthouse
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Erie Land Lighthouse
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Collections Intern

Posted: January 8, 2026

Deadline to apply: February 20, 2026

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are currently looking for a friendly and detail-oriented individual with experience related to Public History, Library Sciences, Museum Studies, Anthropology, or similar fields.

The Collections Intern will play a pivotal role in the creation of the organization’s archives and collections. Working closely with the Site Manager and Curator, they will assist with inventorying, labeling, cataloging, rehousing, and digitization of the organization’s 2D and 3D objects. The Collections Intern will also assist with daily operations including tours of our historic lighthouses, ticket and merchandise sales, database and file management, research, and other duties as assigned by management team.

Interested individuals should be open to working frequently with the public, providing excellent visitor experience and customer service. They should also be able to easily interact with people of all ages and backgrounds.

This project is supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Historical Archives and Records Care Grant, a program funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Position Type: Non-Exempt; Part Time Seasonal (20 hours per week, June – August)

Rate: $17.00/hour

Reports to: Site Manager and Curator

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Collection Management

  • Under the direction of the Site Manager and Curator, provide curatorial and collections assistance including inventorying, labeling, cataloging, rehousing, and digitization.
  • Conduct scholarly research on Erie’s lighthouses and maritime history, increasing institutional knowledge and furthering the organization’s mission.
  • Monitor visitor use of exhibits and condition of objects.

Exhibit-Based Interpretation and Visitor Services

  • Create a welcoming educational environment by actively learning and utilizing a variety of interpretive techniques and engaging with visitors.
  • Lead guided tours of historic properties.
  • Manage ticket and merchandise transactions while providing visitors with excellent customer service and general information.
  • Maintain retail space including stocking inventory in shop and regularly cleaning displays.
  • As time allows, assist in development of educational activities, guided tours, and exhibitions.

Safety, Stewardship, and Operations

  • Steward the safety of volunteers, visitors, artifacts, exhibits, buildings and grounds.
  • Complete opening and closing procedures at lighthouses.
  • Assist with administrative tasks including but not limited to answering phones and emails, data entry, assisting with copying and scanning, and replenishing supplies.
  • Other duties as assigned by the management team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

  • Undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in History, Public History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, Library Sciences, or related field of study. Recent graduates are also invited to apply.
  • Complete PA Child Abuse and PA State Police Clearances (organization will cover cost).
  • Friendly, positive attitude and attentive demeanor with strong writing and public speaking skills.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service through addressing visitor questions, comments, and concerns, and supporting volunteers in their roles.
  • Flexible schedule and available to work nights and weekends.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time, climb 70-80 stairs multiple times a day, and lift up to 20 pounds; comfortable with heights and small spaces.

Preferred

  • CPR/AED Certification (training provided, if needed)
  • Familiarity with lighthouse and maritime history
  • Experience working with volunteers, children and families
  • Training in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice
  • Retail experience

How to apply:

All interested candidates can apply by submitting a resume, cover letter, and 2 letters of recommendation (at least 1 from teacher, professor, or former supervisor).

Please send applications to careers@presqueislelighthouse.org. Deadline is February 20, 2026. No phone calls or mail, please.

EOE Statement

It is the Presque Isle Light Station’s policy to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender dysphoria, citizenship status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.


Interpretation Intern

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are currently looking for an outgoing and enthusiastic individual with experience related to Public History, Education, Anthropology, Environmental Science, or similar fields.

The Interpretation Intern assists with tours of our historic lighthouses, ticket and merchandise sales, database and file management, research, and other duties as assigned by management team. They will work closely with the Site Managers to fulfill duties. Interested individuals should be open to working frequently with the public, providing excellent visitor experience and customer service. They should also be able to easily interact with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Position Type: Non-Exempt; Part Time Seasonal (20 hours per week, Fri – Mon, May – August)

Rate: $15.00/hour

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Exhibit-Based Interpretation

    • Create a welcoming educational environment by actively learning and utilizing a variety of interpretive techniques and engaging with visitors.
    • Lead guided tours of historic properties.

    Visitor Services and Retail

    • Manage ticket and merchandise transactions while providing visitors with excellent customer service and general information.
    • Maintain retail space including stocking inventory in shop and regularly cleaning displays.

    Safety, Stewardship, and Operations

    • Steward the safety of volunteers, visitors, artifacts, exhibits, buildings and grounds.
    • Monitor visitor use of exhibits and redirect inappropriate behavior.
    • Complete opening and closing procedures at lighthouses.
    • Assist with administrative tasks including but not limited to answering phones and emails, data entry, assisting with copying and scanning, and replenishing supplies.
    • Other duties as assigned by the management team.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

    Required

    • High school diploma or equivalent
    • Complete PA Child Abuse and PA State Police Clearances (organization will cover cost)
    • Friendly, positive attitude and attentive demeanor with strong writing and public speaking skills
    • Flexible schedule and available to work nights and weekends
    • Ability to stand for extended periods of time, climb 70-80 stairs multiple times a day, and lift up to 20 pounds; comfortable with heights and small spaces

    Preferred

    • Currently enrolled at an accredited college or university
    • Familiarity with lighthouse and maritime history
    • Experience working with volunteers, children and families
    • Retail experience
    • CPR/AED Certification (training provided, if needed)
    • Internship may be extended to April through October dependent upon applicant’s availability

    How to apply:

    All interested candidates can apply by submitting a resume, cover letter, and 2 letters of recommendation (at least 1 from teacher, professor, or former supervisor).

    Please send applications to careers@presqueislelighthouse.org. Deadline is February 20, 2026. No phone calls or mail, please.

    EOE Statement

    It is the Presque Isle Light Station’s policy to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender dysphoria, citizenship status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

    Marketing Intern

    JOB DESCRIPTION

    We are looking for a creative, detail-oriented, and self-motivated individual with experience in Marketing, Graphic Design, Communications, or a related field to spearhead our summer marketing, from conception to completion.

    The Marketing Intern will work closely with the Site Managers to produce and support all communications. They will design marketing material, manage our social media, and produce internal communications. The Marketing Intern will also assist with daily operations as needed including staffing, data entry, and other duties as assigned by the management team.

    Interested individuals should be ready to work in a fast-paced environment that requires excellent time management, collaboration, creative thinking, and frequent engagement with the public.

    Position Type: Non-Exempt; Part Time Seasonal (20 hours per week, Fri – Mon, May – August)

    Rate: $15.00/hour

    JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

    Marketing

    • Design digital and print marketing material
    • Create and schedule social media campaigns
    • Photograph organization’s educational and special events
    • Produce internal communications with volunteers and members
    • Ensure brand consistency across platforms

    Visitor Services

    • Manage ticket and merchandise transactions while providing visitors with excellent customer service and general information.
    • Create a welcoming educational environment by utilizing a variety of interpretive techniques and engaging with visitors.

    Safety, Stewardship, and Operations

    • Ensure safety of volunteers, visitors, artifacts, exhibits, buildings and grounds.
    • Monitor visitor use of exhibits and redirect inappropriate behavior.
    • Complete opening and closing procedures at lighthouses.
    • Assist with administrative tasks including but not limited to answering phones and emails, data entry, and replenishing supplies.
    • Other duties as assigned by Management Team.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

    Required

    • High school diploma or equivalent and currently enrolled at an accredited college or university
    • Complete PA Child Abuse and PA State Police Clearances (organization will cover cost)
    • Friendly, positive attitude and attentive demeanor with strong public speaking skills
    • Flexible schedule and available to work nights and weekends
    • Ability to stand for extended periods of time, climb 70-80 stairs multiple times a day, and lift up to 20 pounds; comfortable with heights and small spaces
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

    Preferred

    • Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar creative software
    • Familiarity with lighthouse and maritime history
    • Experience working with volunteers, children and families
    • Retail experience
    • CPR/AED Certification (training provided, if needed)
    • Internship may be extended to April through October dependent upon applicant’s availability.

    How to apply:

    All interested candidates can apply by submitting a resume, cover letter, and 2 letters of recommendation (at least 1 from teacher, professor, or former supervisor).

    Please send applications to careers@presqueislelighthouse.org. Deadline is February 20, 2026. No phone calls or mail, please.


    “My summer internship at Presque Isle Lighthouse was absolutely amazing. The lighthouse is living history and allows visitors to have a unique look into the lives of past members of the Erie community. As a summer 2025 intern, I spent my summer greeting guests, selling tickets and merchandise, and acting as a docent in the house museum and tower. Additionally, I worked on an individual project that included digitizing and cataloging 2D materials in the organization’s collections. I am so thankful for my time at the lighthouse and gained invaluable skills and insight in preparation for a career in the museum or library fields.”

    — Lauren Vargo, Gannon University ’25, Summer 2025 Interpretation Intern

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